Public health district encourages immunizations

Aug. 18--ALBANY, Ga. -- August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and Southwest Health District is reminding area residents that vaccines protect families as well as children, says Rebecca Snow, Southwest Health District's immunization coordinator.

"Vaccines are our best defense against vaccine-preventable diseases," she said. "This National Immunization Awareness Month, we urge parents to get themselves and their families up to date on their vaccinations."

August serves as a reminder that people of all ages require timely vaccinations to protect their health, Snow said. "It is a perfect time to make vaccination a priority in our communities."

She continued, "Vaccinations protect you and they protect others around you, especially infants and those individuals who are unable to be immunized or who have weakened immune systems."

Vaccines protect families, teens and children by preventing disease. They help avoid expensive therapies and hospitalization needed to treat infectious diseases like influenza and pneumococcal disease. Vaccinations also reduce absences both at school and at work and decrease the spread of illness in the home, workplace and community.

The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend everyone 6 months old and older get vaccinated against seasonal influenza, Snow noted.

"The focus of vaccinations often lies on young children, but it's just as important for teens, college students and adults to stay current on their vaccinations." Snow said.

"This August, protect your family by getting vaccinated," she said. "Southwest Health District reminds adults and parents to check with their county health department or other health care provider for their current vaccination recommendations."

Safe and effective vaccines are available to protect adults and children alike against potentially life-threatening diseases.

More information about immunizations is available at http://dph.georgia.gov/immunization-section.

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